FDA approves generic Parkinson's disease drug made by Actavis

By Alaric DeArment

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a treatment for Parkinson's disease made by Actavis, the drug maker said Friday.

Actavis, which last month signed a deal with Watson Pharmaceuticals to be acquired for $5.6 billion, announced the approval and launch of ropinirole extended-release tablets in the 2-mg, 4-mg, 6-mg, 8-mg and 12-mg strengths.

The drug is a generic version of GlaxoSmithKline's Requip XL, which had sales of about $59.4 million in 2011, according to IMS Health.